Custom ordering of an article

ABSTRACT

A manufacturer or other retailer provides a consumer with a graphical user interface for customizing an article. The graphical user interface includes an analog-style selection control that allows a user to select at least one characteristic of a feature of the article. With this type of selection control, a consumer need not select a particular control value or designate a combination of control values to choose a characteristic for a feature of an article to be custom-manufactured. Instead, the consumer need only select a position or value relative to a range of positions or values provided by the analog-style selection control.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/593,261 filed Aug. 23, 2012 in the names of Natalie A. Candrian andShane S. Kohatsu and entitled “Custom Ordering of an Article,” now U.S.Pat. No. 8,555,202, which application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/420,926 filed May 30, 2006 in the names ofNatalie A. Candrian and Shane S. Kohatsu and entitled “Custom Orderingof an Article,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,266,546. Each of these parentapplications is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tools and techniques for customordering an article. Various aspects of the present invention areparticularly applicable to the custom ordering of apparel or equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As electronic communication has become more popular, consumers are usingthis medium more frequently to obtain goods and services. Many consumersnow employ the Internet to purchase articles ranging from airlinetickets to automobiles. For example, some consumers may to access one ormore Web pages maintained on a retailer's computer through the Internet,and then use these Web pages to view, select and purchase a product fromthat retailer. Other consumers may use electronic mail (commonlyreferred to as “email”) to order goods and services from a retailer. Insome instances, a consumer may employ electronic mail to send or receiveinformation relating to goods or services that the consumer haspurchased over the Internet.

Some retailers have taken advantage of the flexibility offered by theseelectronic marketplaces to provide consumers with a broader range ofchoices for goods and services. For example, some manufacturers andretailers now permit a consumer to customize a manufactured article byspecifying the characteristics of one or more features of the article,such as its size, color, or the structure of its construction. Somemanufacturers and retailers may even permit a consumer to select one ormore images to be emblazoned on the article. Typically, the manufactureror retailer will provide the consumer with some type of graphical userinterface for specifying the characteristics of the customizablefeatures of the article. This type graphical user interface thus willdisplay the choice of characteristics that a consumer can select for acustomizable feature of the article.

More particularly, the graphical user interface typically will includeone or more discrete-style “controls” for selecting among the differentcharacteristics available to customize a feature of an article. Forexample, a graphical user interface will typically employ a list boxcontrol, check box controls, radio controls, button controls, a spinnercontrol, or some combination of one or more of these controls. A listbox control (also known as a “drop-down menu”) provides a list ofvalues, with each value representing a characteristic choice for anarticle feature. A user may then specify a desired featurecharacteristic, such as a color for an exterior surface of an article,by selecting the value in the list representing that characteristic.Check box controls also provide a list of values representingcharacteristic choices for an article. Rather then selecting a value inthe list, however, the user will specify a characteristic by selecting acheck box control associated with a value in the list. Radio controlsare similar to check box controls, but a radio controls prevent a userfrom selecting multiple characteristic choices. When a user selects aradio control associated with a value in the list, any previouslyselected radio control is automatically deselected.

With button controls, a button is provided for each availablecharacteristic choice. Typically, each button will contain a valuerepresenting its associated characteristic, and the user will select abutton to choose its associated characteristic. With a spinner control,the control will typically include a value field, an up arrow button,and a down arrow button. The value field will display a valuerepresenting the currently selected characteristic, and a user canchange the value by discretely selecting either the up arrow button orthe down arrow button. This type of control is more commonly used forcharacteristics that have a numerical aspect, such as a dimension (e.g.,height, width, or length), a volume, or a weight.

With each of these discrete-style controls, the value representing acharacteristic may be text, an image, or a combination of both. Forexample, if a text box has a list of items representing colorcharacteristics, the text box may provide a list of the words “white,”“black,” “red,” “blue,” “green,” “brown,” “yellow,” and “purple.”Alternately, the text box may simply provide a list of rectangle imagesthat are colored white, black, red, blue, green, brown, yellow andpurple, respectively. Still further, the text box may provide the listof the words “white,” “black,” “red,” “blue,” “green,” “brown,”“yellow,” and “purple,” with an appropriately-colored rectangle imagenext to each word.

A consumer can employ these types of discrete-style selection controlsto easily select a desired feature characteristic from among a smallgroup of characteristic choices. Consumers often have more difficulty,however, employing these types of controls to select from among a largenumber of choices. When faced with a large number of different choices,for example, many consumers are overwhelmed and dissatisfied with theselection experience. In some cases, a consumer may even decide not topurchase an article, rather than have to select each of the featurecharacteristics required to custom order an article. Accordingly, itwould be beneficial to provide techniques that will allow consumers tomore easily select desired article characteristics from a large numberof different feature characteristic choices.

It also would be desirable to provide consumers with greater flexibilityin customizing the appearance of an article. For example, some retailerswill allow a user to select an image that will appear on a surface ofthe article. While the user may have a wide variety of images from whichto select, however, the consumer typically is permitted only to choosewhether or not a particular image will appear at a specific location onthe article. The consumer usually cannot vary the location for the imageor the amount of the image that will appear on the article. This lack ofchoice may lead a consumer to decline the purchase of an article, evenwhen the consumer likes both the article and an image offered for thearticle. It would therefore be beneficial to allow a consumer to modifythe characteristics of an image that will be emblazoned on acustom-designed article.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the invention advantageously provide a consumer witha more satisfying experience in selecting from among different featurecharacteristics when customizing an article. According to some examplesof the invention, a manufacturer or other retailer provides a consumerwith a graphical user interface for customizing an article. Thegraphical user interface includes an analog-style selection control thatpermits a user to select a characteristic of at least one feature of thearticle. For example, the analog-style selection control may be a linearor “slider” selection control. Alternately, the analog-style selectioncontrol may be a rotational or “dial” selection control. With thesetypes of analog-style selection controls, a consumer need not select aparticular discrete selection value or a combination of discreteselection values to choose a desired feature characteristic. Instead,the consumer need only select a position or value relative to a range ofpositions or values provided by the analog-style selection control.

Still other examples of the invention provide a consumer with an optionof controlling the amount of an image that will appear on a custommanufactured article. The amount of an image may be determined, forexample, based upon the complexity of the image, the total area of theimage, or the ratio of the area of the image to a remaining area of thearticle. With some implementations of the invention, the image may be apicture or pattern that is sewn into, printed on, or applied to thearticle. For still other implementations of the invention, the image maybe formed by one or more contrasting surface topologies or materials ofthe article, or otherwise emblazoned on the surface of the article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a computer that can beused to implement a video game according to various embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a custom ordering tool according tovarious embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate examples of linear analog-style selection controlsthat may be employed in a graphical user interface according to variousembodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate examples of rotational analog-style selectioncontrols that may be employed in a graphical user interface according tovarious embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate one example of a user interface forcustom-ordering an article that employs an analog-style selectioncontrol according to various embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B illustrate examples of how color wheels maybe employed to select a feature's color using an analog-style selectioncontrol according to various embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate another example of a user interface forcustom-ordering an article that employs an analog-style selectioncontrol according to various embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D illustrate examples ofhow color wheels may be employed to select a feature's color using ananalog-style selection control according to various embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 17 illustrates to a list of colors from which a feature color maybe selected according to various embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate an example of a custom-ordering userinterface configured for specifying the scaled size of an imageaccording to various embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate an example of a custom-ordering userinterface configured to select the geographical size of an imageaccording to various embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate an example of a custom-ordering userinterface configured for specifying the line size of an image accordingto various embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate an implementation of a custom-ordering userinterface configured for specifying the density of an image according tovarious embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a custom-ordering user interface thatmay be implemented to select among different images that will beemblazoned upon an article of footwear according to various embodimentsof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Overview

Various aspects of the invention advantageously provide a consumer witha more satisfying experience in selecting from among different featurecharacteristics when customizing an article. According to differentexamples of the invention, a manufacturer or other retailer provides aconsumer with a graphical user interface for customizing an article. Thegraphical user interface includes an analog-style selection control thatallows a user to select at least one characteristic of a feature of thearticle. With this type of selection control, a consumer need not selecta particular control value or designate a combination of control valuesto choose a characteristic for a feature of an article to becustom-manufactured. Instead, the consumer need only select a positionor value relative to a range of positions or values provided by theanalog-style selection control.

Still other examples of the invention may provide a consumer with theability to specify the amount of an image that will appear on acustom-ordered article. The amount of an image may be determined, forexample, based upon the complexity of the image, the total area of theimage, or the ratio of the area of the image to a remaining area of thearticle. As will be discussed in more detail below, various examples ofthe invention may provide a consumer with an analog-style selectioncontrol to select an amount of an image that will be emblazoned on acustom-ordered article.

Example Computer

As will be discussed in more detail below, various aspects of theinvention may be implemented a programmable computing device or computerexecuting software instructions. FIG. 1 shows an example of a computer101 that can be used to implement various examples of the invention inthis manner.

The computer system 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a processing unit103, a system memory 105, and a system bus 107 that couples varioussystem components, including the system memory 105, to the processingunit 103. The system memory 105 may include a read-only memory (ROM) 109and a random access memory (RAM) 111.

The computer 101 may also include one or more memory storage devices113, one or more input devices 115, and one or more output devices 117.Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the computer 101 may include a magnetic diskdrive 113A, an optical disk drive 113B, or both. The input devices 115employed by the computer 101 may then vary depending upon the intendeduse of the computer 101. For example, if the computer 101 is intendedprimarily to host and execute video game software, then the computer 101may have a joystick console 115A or similar human interface controlsuitable for gaming. If, however, the computer 101 is intended tooperate as a general purpose personal computer (e.g., a conventionaldesktop or laptop computer), then it may alternately or additionallyhave a keyboard 115B.

Similarly, the output devices 117 included in the computer 101 may alsovary depending upon its intended use. Most variations of the computer101 will typically have a display monitor 117A. If the computer 101 isconfigured to operate as a general purpose personal computer, then itmay alternately or additionally have a printer. Still other memorystorage devices 113, input devices 115 and output devices 117 mayinclude flash type memory devices, “punch” type memory devices (wherephysical indentations are made in the memory medium), holographic memorydevices, digitizers, pressure detectors, cameras, scanners, microphones,and vibration or other motive feedback devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, the computer 101 additionally has a device interface119. This device interface 119 may be any type of interface used toobtain data from another device. For example, the device interface 119may be a conventional connector/port type interface, such as universalserial bus (USB) interface, a Firewire/IEEE 1394 interface, a PS/2interface, a PC/AT interface, an RS-232 interface, a serial portinterface, or an Ethernet port or other telephone-type interface. Aswill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, someconnector/port type interfaces may have a variety of differentconfigurations. For example, a USB interface may be a USB 1.1 interfaceor a USB 2.0 interface. It also may be a standard USB interface, a miniUSB interface, or a micro USB interface. Accordingly, the deviceinterface 119 may be any type of connector/port type interface of anydesired configuration.

Still further, the device interface 119 may include a wirelesstransceiver for wireless communication with another device. For example,the device interface 119 may be implemented with a radio frequencytransceiver, such as a WiFi or Bluetooth wireless transceiver. Thedevice interface 119 may alternately be implemented with an infraredfrequency transceiver, a light frequency transceiver, or an ultrasonicfrequency transceiver. The device interface 119 may be an internalinterface, or it may alternately be an external network interface as iswell known in the art. Of course, it will be appreciated that othermeans of establishing a communications link with other computers may beused. Also, with various examples of the invention, the computer 101 mayhave a plurality of device interfaces 119.

Typically, the computer 101 will be configured to access one more othercomputing devices, so that a consumer can employ the computer 101 tocustom-order an article through another computing device maintained by amanufacturer or retailer. Thus, the computer 101 will normally becapable of operating in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote devices, such as other computers. Thecomputer 101 may be connectable to one or more remote devices through alocal area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), such as theInternet. When used in a networking environment, the computer system 101may be connected to the network through the device interface 119.

Feature Characteristic Ordering Tool

As noted above, various examples of the invention provide ananalog-style selection control. As noted above, a control will typicallybe implemented as part of a graphical user interface in a software-baseddevice. More particularly, a computer, such as the computer 101, willexecute software instructions to implement various embodiments of theinvention. Based upon these instructions, the computer 101 will displaya graphical user interface to a user. The user will then manipulate oneor more input devices 115 to input data to the computer 101 through theuser interface. For example, with various implementations of theinvention, a user will manipulate an input device 115, such as apointing device like a mouse, roller ball, joystick or touchpad, tochange the appearance of a selection indicator for an analog-styleselection control imbedded in the graphical user interface. The userinput employed to change the appearance of the selection indicator thenwill correspond to a feature characteristic selection made by a user. Inthis manner, the appearance of the selection indicator will provide theuser with information as to the user's current feature characteristicselection.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a custom ordering tool 201 according tovarious embodiments of the invention that can be used to custom order anarticle. With some embodiments of the invention, the custom orderingtool 201 may be implemented by, for example, executing software on aprogrammable computing device, such as the computer 101 illustrated inFIG. 1. Of course, with still other examples of the invention, one ormore components of the custom ordering tool 201 may be implemented usingone or more various solid state analog electronic circuit devices.

As seen in this FIG. 2, the custom ordering tool 201 includes aninterface management module 203, a control module 205, and a displaymodule 209. The control module 205 provides an analog-style selectioncontrol, as will be discussed in further detail below. The displaymodule 209 displays a custom ordering user interface, including a visualdisplay of the analog-style selection control, to the user via a displaymonitor 117A.

By using an input device 115, such as a mouse, touchpad or keyboard, auser can input information for custom ordering an article through ananalog-style selection control generated by the control module 205. Moreparticularly, a user can manipulate the analog-style selection controlto input selection information for selecting one or more featurecharacteristics of an article being custom ordered. In response, thecontrol module 205 provides the received selection information to theinterface management module 203. The interface management module 203 maythen relay display information, corresponding to the received selectioninformation, to the display module 209, which updates the appearance ofthe analog-style selection control accordingly. In this manner, the usercan receive immediate visual feedback of the selection information he orshe has input to the analog-style selection control.

In addition to providing the input selection information to the displaymodule 209, the interface management module 203 also will provide theselection information to a retailer or manufacturer that will providethe article being custom ordered. For example, with some embodiments ofthe invention, the custom ordering tool 201 may electronically relay theselection information directly to a server computer maintained by aretailer or manufacturer. With still other examples of the invention,however, the custom ordering tool 201 may instead store the user's inputselection information in memory, until it can be retrieved, eitherphysically or electronically, by the retailer or manufacturer.

If the information is being provided to a retailer, for example theretailer can review its stock and select an article that has the featurecharacteristics specified by the user. If the information is beingprovided to a manufacturer, the manufacturer may employ the selectioninformation to manufacture a new article that has the featurecharacteristics specified by the user. With some examples of theinvention, the interface management module 203 may continuously providea retailer or manufacturer with the user's input selection data.Alternately, the interface management module 203 may only provide theuser's selection data to a retailer or manufacturer after the user hasindicated that the input selection data represents a final set ofordering information. For example, if the user is purchasing acustom-ordered article, the interface management module 203 may postponeproviding the user's selection information to a retailer or manufactureruntil after the user also has provided the custom ordering tool 201 withpurchasing information, such as a credit card account information orelectronic payment service account information.

It should be noted that, while the interface management module 203, thecontrol module 205 and the display module 209 are illustrated asdiscrete modules in FIG. 2, alternate embodiments of the invention maycombine two or even all three of these modules into a single unit. Italso should be appreciated that, with still other examples of theinvention, the custom-ordering tool 201 will include one or moreadditional components to display other elements in the user interface.For example, some implementations of the invention also may includecomponents for displaying an image of one or more features of thearticle being custom-ordered. When the user provides new selectioninformation, these components will use the selection information toupdate the appearance of the article features to reflect the newselection information.

Analog-Style Selection Controls

Various examples of the invention may employ any type of analog-styleselection control to obtain selection information from a user. Someimplementations of the invention may even employ a combination ofdifferent types of analog-style selection controls to elicit selectioninformation from a user. Two known types of analog-style selectioncontrols are linear (or “slider”) selection controls and rotational (or“dial”) selection controls. While these particular types of analog-styleselection controls will be discussed in more detail below, it should beappreciated that various examples of the invention may employ any otherdesired type of analog-style selection control.

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a linear or “slider” analog-styleselection control 301 that may be employed in a graphical user interfaceaccording to various embodiments of the invention. As seen in thefigure, the slider selection control 301 includes a linear rangeindicator 303 and a linear position indicator 305 (sometimes alsoreferred to as a “thumb”). With this type of analog-style selectioncontrol, a user may employ a pointing device, such as a mouse, touchpad,joystick or stylus, to designate a new position for the positionindicator 305 along the length of the range indicator 303. In thismanner the position indicator 305 can be used to designate some positionon the linear range indicator 303 relative to the entire length of thelinear range indicator 303. As will be discussed in further detailbelow, this position will correspond to a particular selection of one ormore feature characteristics for an article being custom ordered.

In addition to the range indicator 303 and position indicator 305, theslider selection control 301 also includes direction indicators 309 and311. These indicators 309 and 311 generally indicate the direction inwhich the position indicator 305 should be moved along the rangeindicator 303 for the user to select a desired feature characteristic.Thus, the direction indicator 309 displays the “minus” character,informing a user that moving the position indicator 305 toward thedirection indicator 309 will select a smaller or lesser featurecharacteristic. The direction indicator 311, on the other hand, displaysthe “plus” character, informing a user that moving the positionindicator 305 toward that indicator 311 will select a relatively higheror greater feature characteristic for the article being custom-ordered.For example, if the slider selection control 301 is being used to selecta width of a shoe, moving the position indicator 305 toward thedirection indicator 309 may select a shoe with a smaller size. Likewise,moving the position indicator 305 toward the direction indicator 311 mayselect a larger size for the shoe.

The slider selection control 301 also includes position markers 307(sometimes referred to as “ticks”). These markers 307 may be used todesignate specific positions along the range indicator 303. In theillustrated slider selection control 301, for example, there are tenposition markers 307 equally spaced along the length of the rangeindicator 303. Thus, a user can more precisely select a new position forthe position indicator 305 by using the position markers 307 as guides.

While FIG. 3 illustrates one specific type of slider-type analog-styleselection control, it should be appreciated that, as previously noted,any slider-type selection control may alternately be employed accordingto various examples of the invention. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the slider selection control 401 may include only a simple rangeindicator 403 and position indicator 405. FIG. 5 illustrates stillanother example of a slider selection control 501 that may be employedaccording to various embodiments of the invention. As seen in thisfigure, the range indicator 503 includes areas 505 and 507, with eacharea having a different appearance. The boundary 509 between thedifferently-appearing areas 505 and 507 then functions as the positionindicator. More particularly, by employing an input device 115 to movethe boundary 509, a user can select a particular position along therange indicator 503.

It should be noted that, while a few specific examples of sliderselection controls have been illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, various examplesof the invention may employ slider controls having any desired elements,including any combination of the elements illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. Forexample, the slider selection control 501 shown in FIG. 5 also haslinear positions markers 307, but these markers can be omitted with someimplementations of the invention. Similarly, some examples of theinvention may employ a variant of the slider selection control 401 thatincludes linear position markers 307.

In addition to slider controls, various examples of the invention mayalternately or additionally employ “dial” selection controls, aspreviously noted. With this type of control, rather than “sliding” aposition indicator in a linear direction, the user employs an inputdevice 115 to “rotate” an angular position indicator about an axis. Oneexample of such a dial selection control 601 is illustrated in FIG. 6.As seen in this figure, the dial selection control 601 includes anangular position indicator 603. The angular position indicator 603includes a current position marker 605 for marking the current angularposition of the angular position indicator 603 relative to a previousangular position. The angular control 601 also includes a plurality ofangular position markers 607, which indicate specific angular positionsaround the angular position indicator 603.

By providing input data using an input device 115, such as a pointingdevice or keyboard, a user can instruct the dial selection control 601to “rotate” the angular position indicator 603 about its axis 609 ineither of rotation directions 611. The angular position of the angularposition indicator 603 then serves as selection input information forthe selection of one or more feature characteristics of an article beingcustom ordered. By using the current position marker 605 and the angularposition markers 607, a user can generally determine the amount by whichthe angular position indicator 603 has been rotated about its axis 609.

With some implementations, the angular control 601 may be rotated aboutthe axis 609 continuously in either of the directions 611. That is, withthese implementations, the angular position indicator may be rotatedmore than 360°. When the angular position indicator 603 is rotated to anangular position corresponding to the “lowest” possible selection valuefor a feature characteristic, further rotation of the angular positionindicator 603 may simply cause the angular control to either beginincreasing the selection values, or, alternatively, to begin decreasingthe selection values again starting with the highest possible selectionvalue. Still other implementations of the angular selection control 601may allow a user only a fixed amount of angular rotation about the axis609. For example, these implementations may only allow a user to rotatethe angular position indicator 603 a total of, e.g., 180° (a halfrotation), 360° (one full rotation), or 720° (two complete rotations).

As with the slider selection controls, dial selection controls may beemployed in a variety of different configurations according to variousembodiments of the invention. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates anotherimplementation of a dial selection control 701. With the dial selectioncontrol 701, the angular position indicator 603 does not include acurrent position marker 607. Instead, the dial selection control 701employs a separate position indicator 703, which includes a currentposition marker 705 and angular position markers 707. As the angularposition indicator 603 is rotated in either of rotation directions 611,the current position marker 705 is angularly rotated a proportionalamount in the same direction about axis 709. By noting the change inposition of the current position marker 705 relative to the angularposition markers 707, a user can choose a particular rotation of theangular position indicator 703, thereby providing selection informationfor selecting one or more characteristic features of an article beingcustom-ordered.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another example of a dial selection control 801.With this implementation, the angular position indicator 803 itselfserves as a current position marker, and is rotatable in either ofdirections 611 by input provided through an input device 115. Inaddition, the dial selection control 801 includes an angular positionmarker display 805 that includes angular position markers 707. By notingthe change in position of the angular position indicator 803 relative tothe angular position markers 707, a user can choose a particularrotation of the angular position indicator 803, thereby providingselection information for selecting one or more character features of anarticle being custom-ordered.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another example of an analog-style selectioncontrol. With this implementation, however, the analog-style selectioncontrol 901 has properties of both a slider selection control and a dialselection control. As seen in this figure, the analog-style selectioncontrol 901 includes an angular position indicator 603 with a currentposition marker 605′. It also includes a linear range indicator 503 witha first area 505 having one appearance, a second area 507 having anotherappearance different from the appearance of the first area 505, andlinear position markers 307.

As with the previously-described examples, a user employs an inputdevice 115, such as a pointing device or a keyboard, to “rotate” theangular position indicator 603 about its axis 609. In response torotation of the angular position indicator 603, the position of theboundary 509 between the first area 505 and the second area 507 changes.For example, if the user rotates the angular position indicator 603 in aclockwise direction, then the position of the boundary 509 may move aproportional amount to the right (relative to FIG. 9). Likewise, if theuser rotates the angular position indicator 603 in a counter-clockwisedirection, then the position of the boundary 509 may move a proportionalamount to the left (relative to FIG. 9). By noting the position of theboundary 509 relative to the length of the linear range indicator 503,the user can select one or more character features of an article beingcustom-ordered.

Custom Ordering User Interfaces

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrates one example of a user interface forcustom-ordering an article that employs an analog-style selectioncontrol according to various embodiments of the invention. With thisillustrated example, the custom-ordering user interface 1001 isconfigured to allow a user to custom-order an athletic shoe. Moreparticularly, the custom-ordering user interface 1001 may be employed toselect the color characteristics of various features of athleticfootwear.

As seen in this figure, the custom-ordering user interface 1001 includesa feature indicator 1003 and the slider selection control 301 discussedin detail above. The feature indicator 1003 displays the features forwhich characteristics are being selected in the custom-ordering process.As previously noted, the illustrated example of the custom-ordering userinterface 1001 is configured to allow a user to custom-order an athleticshoe. Accordingly, the custom-ordering user interface 1001 displays anathletic shoe 1005. It also displays the features of the shoe 1005 forwhich a user may select a characteristic (i.e., color). Thus, with theillustrated example, the feature indicator 1003 displays the upper 1007,the sole 1009, and the toe guard 1011 of the shoe 1005. The featureindicator 1003 also displays stripes 1013 formed on the surface of theupper 1005.

With some examples of the invention, an analog-style selection controlmay be used to select the characteristics of a single feature. Thus,with some implementations of the custom-ordering user interface 1001, auser may choose a single feature to customize, such as the stripes 1013.For example, a user may employ an input device, such as a pointingdevice (e.g., a mouse or touchpad) or keyboard to select therepresentation of the stripes 1013 in the feature indicator 1003.Alternately, the custom-ordering user interface 1001 may include a listof the available features for which characteristics may be selected. Auser can then employ the list to designate that the slider selectioncontrol 301 is being used to select a characteristic or characteristicsof the stripes 1013. Of course, any desired technique can be used todesignate which feature among a group of features will be customizedusing the slider selection control 301.

In any case, once the user has indicated that the stripes 1013 are beingcustomized, the user can manipulate the slider selection control 301 toselect the desired characteristic or characteristics for the stripes1013. As previously noted, with the illustrated example, thecustom-ordering user interface 1001 can be used to select a color for adesignated feature of an athletic shoe. Thus, each location of thelinear range indicator 303 may correspond to a different color, such asa color on a color wheel of the type shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. As seenin these figures, the color wheel 1101 has six sections 1103-1113corresponding to various shades of the colors orange, yellow, green,blue, violet, and red, respectively. While the sections of the wheel1101 are labeled with single colors, however, it will be appreciatedthat the shades of these colors will vary within each section. Forexample, the shades of the color yellow within section 1105 will varyfrom an orange-yellow shade at the boundary with section 1103 (i.e., theorange section) to a greenish-yellow shade at the boundary with section1107 (i.e., the green section).

Accordingly, a user can manipulate the slider selection control 301 toselect a color for the stripes 1013. More particularly, by moving thelinear position indicator 305 along the linear range indicator 303, auser can select a desired color on the color wheel 1101. For example, inFIG. 10A, the linear position indicator 305 is positioned along thelinear range indicator 303 at a location marked by the eighth linearposition marker 307. This position might then correspond to an angle 80%of the circumference around the color wheel 1101 (from the top of thecolor wheel shown in FIG. 11A), i.e., to an angle of 288° as shown byline 1115 in FIG. 11A. Thus, at this position of the linear positionindicator 305, the stripes 1013 would have a violet color with a strongred tint.

By moving the position of the linear position indicator 305 along thelinear range indicator 303, however, the user can change the color forthe stripes 1013. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the user could movethe position of the linear position indicator 305 to a location alongthe linear range indicator 303 marked by the second linear positionmarker 307. This position might then correspond to an angle 20% of thecircumference around the color wheel 1101, i.e., to an angle of 72° asshown by line 1117 in FIG. 11B. Thus, at this position of the linearposition indicator 305, the stripes 1013 would have a yellow color witha green tint.

With some implementations of the invention, an analog-style selectioncontrol may be used to select the characteristics of two more featuresof an article being custom-ordered. For example, the custom-orderinguser interface 1001 may be used to simultaneously select the color ofthe shoe upper 1007, the toe guard 1011, and the stripes 1013. With thisimplementation, each location of the linear range indicator 303 maycorrespond to three different angles on a color wheel 1101, with eachangle being separated by 120°. The first angle would then represent aselected color for the shoe upper 1007, the second angle would representa selected color for the toe guard 1011, and the third angle wouldrepresent a selected color for the stripes 1013.

Thus, the position of the linear position indicator 305 shown in FIG.10A would correspond to angles on the color wheel 1101 marked by lines1201A, 1203A, and 1205A as shown in FIG. 12A. That is, by positioningthe linear position indicator 305 relative to the linear range indicator303, a user would select the color for the shoe upper 1007 to be thecolor at the angle of line 1201A on the color wheel 1101, i.e., a violetcolor with a red tint The user also simultaneously would select thecolor for the toe guard 1011 to be the color at the angle of line 1203Aon the color wheel 1103 (i.e., an orange color with a yellow tint), andthe color for the stripes 1013 to be the color at the angle of line1205A on the color wheel 1103 (i.e., a green color with a blue tint).

Similarly, the position of the linear position indicator 305 shown inFIG. 10B would correspond to angles 1201B, 1203B, and 1205B shown inFIG. 12B. Thus, by changing the position of the linear positionindicator 305 from that shown in FIG. 12A to the location shown in FIG.12B, a user would change the color selection for the shoe upper 1007 tothe color at the angle of line 1201B on the color wheel 1101, i.e., ayellow color with a green tint The user also simultaneously would changethe color selection for the toe guard 1011 to be the color at the angleof line 1203B on the color wheel 1101 (i.e., an blue color with a violettint) and the color for the stripes 1013 to be the color at the angle ofline 1205B on the color wheel 1101 (i.e., a red color with an orangetint).

FIG. 13A illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention. Thisfigure illustrates a custom ordering interface 1301 for selecting one ormore feature characteristics of an athletic shoe. Unlike the customordering interface 1001 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, however, the customordering interface 1301 includes the angular selection control 601rather than the slider selection control 301. As explained above, withthis dial-type selection control, a user can select characteristicinformation for one or more features of an article by designating anangular position for the angular position indicator 603 (shown by thecurrent position marker 605). Thus, as with the previously discussedexamples, the position of the angular selection control 601 maycorrespond to an angle on the color wheel 1101.

With some embodiments of the invention, 1° of rotation of the angularposition indicator 603 will correspond to an angle increase of 1° on thecolor wheel 1101. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, there are tenangular position markers 607 around the angular position indicator 603,so that each angular position marker 607 marks an additional 36° ofrotation. As also seen in FIG. 13A, the current position marker 605 ispointing to the third angular position marker 607, indicating that theangular position indicator 603 has been rotated about 108° (where theuppermost angular position marker 607 shown in the figure marks arotation of 0°). As shown in FIG. 14A, this corresponds to the sameangle of 108° on the color wheel 1101. Accordingly, the designated shoefeature being customized by the user (e.g., the shoe upper 1007, thesole 1009, the toe guard 1011, the stripes 1013, etc.) will have ayellow color with a green tint, as indicated by line 1401A. Likewise, ifthe user rotates the angular position indicator 603 to the positionshown in FIG. 13B (with the current position marker 605 pointing towardthe seventh angular position marker 607 at an angle of 252°), then theselected color of the designated shoe feature will change to a violetcolor with a blue tint, as indicated by line 1401B at an angle of 252°on the color wheel 1301 in FIG. 14B.

Unlike the slider selection control 301, however, a dial-type selectioncontrol can have an infinite number of positions. For example, with theangular selection control 601, the angular position indicator 603 can berotated around its axis 609 more than once. Thus, with some embodimentsof the invention, a 2° of rotation of the angular position indicator 603may correspond to an increase of only a 1° angle on the color wheel1101. With these embodiments, a user would need to rotate the angularposition indicator 603 two entire revolutions to correspond with onerevolution around the color wheel 1101. Accordingly, if the angularposition of the current position marker 605 shown in FIG. 13A occursduring the first rotation of the angular position indicator 603, thenthis angular position would correspond to an angle of 54° on the colorwheel 1101, as shown in FIG. 15A. The designated shoe feature beingcustomized by the user (e.g., the shoe upper 1007, the sole 1009, thetoe guard 1011, the stripes 1013, etc.) will then have an orange colorwith a strong yellow tint, as indicated by line 1501A. Likewise, if theangular position of the current position marker 605 shown in FIG. 13Aoccurs during the second rotation of the angular position indicator 603,then this angular position would correspond to an angle of 234° on thecolor wheel 1101, as shown in FIG. 15B. This new position would thuschange the selected color of the designated shoe feature to a blue colorwith a strong violet tint, as indicated by line 1501B in FIG. 15B.

As another example, with some embodiments of the invention, 4° ofrotation of the angular position indicator 603 may correspond to anincrease of only a 1° angle on the color wheel 1101. With theseembodiments, a user would need to rotate the angular position indicator603 four entire revolutions to correspond with one revolution around thecolor wheel 1101. Accordingly, if the angular position of the currentposition marker 605 shown in FIG. 13A occurs during the first rotationof the angular position indicator 603, then this then this angularposition would correspond to an angle of 27° on the color wheel 1101, asshown in FIG. 16A. The designated shoe feature being customized by theuser (e.g., the shoe upper 1007, the sole 1009, the toe guard 1011, thestripes 1013, etc.) will then have an orange color, as indicated by line1601A. If the angular position of the current position marker 605 shownin FIG. 13A occurs during the second rotation of the angular positionindicator 603, then this angular position would correspond to an angleof 117° on the color wheel 1101, as shown in FIG. 16B. This new positionwould thus change the selected color of the designated shoe feature to ayellow color with a very strong green tint, as indicated by line 1601Bin FIG. 16B.

Further, if the angular position of the current position marker 605shown in FIG. 13A occurs during the third rotation of the angularposition indicator 603, then this angular position would correspond toan angle of 207° on the color wheel 1101, as shown in FIG. 16C. This newposition would thus change the selected color of the designated shoefeature to a blue color, as indicated by line 1601C. Lastly, if theangular position of the current position marker 605 shown in FIG. 13Aoccurs during the fourth rotation of the angular position indicator 603,then this angular position would correspond to an angle of 297° on thecolor wheel 1101, as shown in FIG. 16D. This new position would thuschange the selected color of the designated shoe feature to a violetcolor with a very strong red tent, as indicated by line 1601D.

Of course, with some examples of the invention, 1° of rotation of theangular position indicator 603 may correspond to less than a 1° angle onthe color wheel 1101. For example, rotating the angular positionindicator 603 a full 360° may cycle through two rotations of the colorwheel 1101. With some examples, the second rotation of the color wheelmay begin at the same starting point as the first rotation, and continuein the same direction. With alternate examples, however, the secondrotation of the color wheel 1101 may continue in an opposite directionfrom the first rotation.

Also, while the use of various embodiments of the invention with a colorwheel have been described above for ease of understanding, it should beappreciated that an analog-style selection can be used to select a colorusing any desired color/position indicator relationship. For example,the slider selection control 301 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B can be usedsimply to select a feature color from among a list of colors, such asthe list 1701 illustrated in FIG. 17. Thus, with this implementation,each of the ten linear position markers 307 may correspond to adifferent color in the table 1701. Of course, these examples are givenonly to provide a better understanding of the wide range and variety ofways in which examples of the invention may be implemented. For example,alternate implementations of the invention may use an analog-styleselection tool to select a feature color according to any desiredrelationship, such as Pantone® color chart, a random ordering of colors,and even a simple list of colors available for use by a manufacturer.

Further, while representative uses of an analog-style selection toolhave been described above with respect to color selection, it should beappreciated that alternate embodiments of the invention may employ ananalog-style selection tool to permit a user to select any desiredfeature characteristic for a custom-ordered article. For example, if thearticle being custom-ordered is footwear, then some embodiments of theinvention may provide an analog-style selection tool for a user toselect, e.g., an amount of cushioning for the sole, the footwear's widthat one or more locations, the footwear's length, the footwear'sstability, etc.

Moreover, while specific implementations of the invention have beendiscussed with regard to footwear, it should be appreciated that variousembodiments of the invention can be employed to allow a user tocustom-order any desired article. For example, with various embodimentsof the invention, an analog-style selection control may be provided toallow a user to select, e.g., a color of a watch face, a length of ahandbag strap, a suspension setting of an automobile or motorcycle, aflavor strength of a soft drink, a loft angle of a golf club head, or animage that will be emblazoned on an article of clothing. As will bediscussed in more detail below, with various examples of the inventionan analog-style selection control even may be used to select an amountof an image that will be emblazoned on a custom-ordered article, such asan article of clothing like a shirt or footwear.

It also should be appreciated that, while a few specific examples ofanalog-style selection controls have been described above to provide aclear understanding of the invention, any type of analog-style selectioncontrol can be employed according to various embodiments of theinvention. Thus, some embodiments of the invention may share one or morefeatures of the analog-style selection controls discussed in detailabove, while other embodiments of the invention may share none of thesefeatures. Also, while linear and rotational type analog-style selectioncontrols have been discussed, any type of analog-style selection controlmay be employed to select feature characteristics according to variousembodiments of the invention. For example, some implementations of theinvention may employ a temporal analog-style selection control. Withthis type of analog-style selection control, a user may, e.g., depress abutton, such a key on a keyboard, to select a feature characteristic.The duration of the depression time will then determine the selectedcharacteristic.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, if anembodiment of the invention implements an analog-style selection controlusing a binary programmable computing device (such as a conventionaldesktop computer), then the analog-style selection control may notactually have a true analog operation. That is, rather than providing aninfinite choice of selection values within a given range, theanalog-style selection control may actually provide only a discretenumber of different selection values within its range. With someimplementations of an analog-style selection control according to theinvention, the number of available selection values may generallycorrespond to the number of available feature characteristics. Forexample, a radial selection control may provide 2048 different selectionvalues to choose a color on a color wheel having 2048 different colorshades. With these implementations, the operation of the analog-styleselection control will appear, to an observing user, to closely resemblethe operation of a true analog selection control.

For still other implementations of an analog-style selection controlaccording to the invention, however, the number of available selectionvalues may not correspond very well to the number of available featurecharacteristics. For example, a slider selection control may provide4096 different selection values to choose a color from a list of onlyten different colors. With these implementations, the analog-styleselection control may have a range of selection values that correspondto a single selection. Alternately, the analog-style selection controlmay have a “snap” feature that causes the position indicator to “snap”to the closest position corresponding to an available featurecharacteristic. For example, with the slider selection control 301illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, each of the ten positions marked by alinear position marker 307 may correspond to a specific color in a listof ten available colors. If a user positioned the linear positionindicator 305 between two linear position markers 307, then the sliderselection control 301 would “snap” the linear position indicator 305 tothe position on the linear range indicator 303 marked by the closestlinear position marker 307.

Various embodiments of the invention, however, may implement ananalog-style selection control with an actual analog operation. Forexample, some embodiments of the invention may be implemented on ananalog computing device, such as an optical processor computer. Otherembodiments of the invention may employ a true analog selection controlin conjunction with a conventional computing device. For example,embodiments of the invention may be implemented in a specially-builtenvironment, such as a kiosk. With these embodiments, a physical analogselection control, such as a dial connected to a potentiometer, can beused instead of a representation of an analog-style selection controldisplayed in a graphical user interface.

Thus, it should be appreciated that, as used herein, the term“analog-style selection control” refers both to true analog selectioncontrols and discrete selection controls that have the appearance andfeel of a true analog selection control. As noted above, for many usersthe overall “feel” of this type of selection control will be moreconvenient and intuitive than a discrete-style selection control.

Emblazoned Images

As noted above, some embodiments of the invention relate to techniquesfor custom-ordering articles having images emblazoned on them. Moreparticularly, various implementations of the invention provide a userwith the ability to specify one or more size characteristics for animage that will appear on a custom-ordered article. Some embodiments ofthe invention, for example, may allow a user to specify a complexity ofthe image, the total area encompassed by the image, or the ratio of thearea of the image to a remaining area of the article.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the custom ordering tool 201 includes aninterface management module 203, a control module 205, and a displaymodule 209. With various examples of the invention relating to theselection of a size for an image to be emblazoned on a custom-orderedarticle, the control module 205 may specifically provide a sizeselection control for selecting a size of an image. The size selectioncontrol may be an analog-style selection control, as discussed in detailabove. With some examples of the invention, however, the size selectioncontrol alternately may be a discrete-style selection control, as alsodiscussed above. The display module 209 then displays a custom orderinguser interface, including a visual display of the size selectioncontrol, to the user via a display monitor 117A.

By using an input device 115, such as a mouse, touchpad or keyboard, auser can input information to the control module through the sizeselection control specifying the size of an image to be emblazoned on acustom ordered article. More particularly, a user can manipulate thesize selection control to input size selection information for selectingone or more size characteristics for an image feature of an articlebeing custom ordered. In response, the control module 205 provides thereceived size selection information to the interface management module203. The interface management module 203 may then relay displayinformation, corresponding to the received selection information, to thedisplay module 209, which then updates the appearance of the sizeselection control. In this manner, the user can receive immediate visualfeedback of the selection information he or she has input to the sizeselection control.

In addition to optionally providing the input selection information tothe display module 209, the interface management module 203 will alsoprovide the size selection information to a retailer or manufacturerproviding the article being custom ordered. For example, with someembodiments of the invention, the custom ordering tool 201 mayelectronically relay the size selection information directly to a servercomputer maintained by a retailer or manufacturer. With still otherexamples of the invention, however, the custom ordering tool 201 mayinstead store the user's input size selection information in a memory,until it can be retrieved, either physically or electronically, by aretailer or manufacturer.

If the size information is being provided to a retailer, for example,the retailer can review its stock and select an article that has thefeature characteristics specified by the user. Similarly, if theinformation is being provided to a manufacturer, the manufacturer mayemploy the selection information to manufacture a new article that hasthe feature characteristics specified by the user. With some examples ofthe invention, the interface management module 203 may continuouslyprovide a retailer or manufacturer with the user's input size selectiondata. Alternately, the interface management module 203 may only providethe user's size selection data to a retailer or manufacturer after theuser has indicated that the input selection data is a final set ofordering data. For example, if the user is purchasing a custom-orderedarticle, the interface management module 203 may postpone providing theuser's image size selection information to a retailer or manufactureruntil after the user also has provided the custom ordering tool 201 withpurchasing information, such as a credit card account information orelectronic payment service account information.

While the interface management module 203, the control module 205 andthe display module 209 are illustrated as discrete modules in FIG. 2,alternate embodiments of the invention may combine two or even all threeof these modules into a single unit as previously noted. It also shouldbe appreciated that, with still other examples of the invention, thecustom-ordering tool 201 may include one or more components to displayother elements in the user interface. For example, some implementationsof the invention may additionally include components for displaying animage of one or more features of the article being custom-ordered. Whenthe user provides new selection information, these components will usethe selection information to update the appearance of the article'sfeatures to reflect the new selection information.

As will be discussed in more detail below, various embodiments of theinvention allow a user to select one or more size characteristics for animage feature. For example, some embodiments of the invention allow auser to specify a scaled size of an image, while other embodiments ofthe invention allow a user to specify the geographical size of the image(e.g., its width and length). Other examples of the invention permit auser to designate a thickness of lines used to create the image, or tospecify the density of the image (i.e., the amount of the articlecovered by the image per a unit area). Still other embodiments of theinvention allow a user to designate the absolute size of the image(i.e., the total amount of the article's surface covered by the image).Some embodiments of the invention may then allow a user to designate oneor more of each of these size characteristic for an image.

Referring now to FIG. 18A, this figure illustrates an example of thecustom-ordering user interface 1001 configured for specifying the scaledsize of an image according to various embodiments of the invention. Aspreviously explained, the custom-ordering user interface 1001 includes afeature indicator 1003 and the slider selection control 301 discussed indetail above. The feature indicator 1003 displays the features for whichcharacteristics are being selected in the custom-ordering process. Withthis illustrated example, the custom-ordering user interface 1001 isconfigured to allow a user to designate the size of an image that willbe emblazoned on a custom-ordered athletic shoe. Accordingly, thecustom-ordering user interface 1001 displays an athletic shoe 1005. Italso displays the image 1801 for which a user may select the sizecharacteristics. In FIG. 18A, the image 1801 is shown as a hexagon, butit should be appreciated that this is merely representative, and variousexamples of the invention may be configured to allow a user to selectthe scaled size of any desired image.

As will be apparent from the foregoing discussion, a user can change thescaled size of the image 1801 by manipulating the slider selectioncontrol 301 to select a desired scaled size for the image 1801. In FIG.18A, the linear position indicator 305 is located along the linear rangeindicator 303 at a position corresponding to the eighth linear positionmarker 307. If the user repositions the linear position indicator 305closer to the positive direction indicator 311 (i.e., to a “greater” or“larger” position), then the scaled size of the image 1801 will beincreased. Similarly, if the user repositions the linear positionindicator 305 closer to the negative direction indicator 309 (i.e., to a“smaller” or “lower” position), then the scaled size of the image 1801will be reduced. For example, FIG. 18B illustrates the smaller scaledsize of the image 1801 when the linear position indicator 305 is locatedalong the linear range indicator 303 at a position corresponding to thesecond linear position marker 307. The image 1801 has the same shape andis located at the same position as in FIG. 18A, but the size of eachdimension of the image 1801 is proportionally smaller.

Referring now to FIG. 19A, this figure illustrates an example of thecustom-ordering user interface 1001 being configured to select thegeographical size of an image according to various embodiments of theinvention. Again, the custom-ordering user interface 1001 includes afeature indicator 1003, which displays the features for whichcharacteristics are being selected in the custom-ordering process, andthe slider selection control 301. With this illustrated example, thecustom-ordering user interface 1001 is configured to allow a user todesignate the geographical size of an image that will be emblazoned on acustom-ordered athletic shoe. The custom-ordering user interface 1001thus displays an athletic shoe 1005 with an image 1901. As seen in FIG.19A, the image 1901 is an abstract pattern resembling a vine, but itshould be appreciated that this particular image is merely arepresentative image, and various examples of the invention may beconfigured to allow a user to select the geographical size of anydesired image.

As with previously discussed embodiments of the invention, a user canmanipulate the slider selection control 301 to select a desired size forthe image 1901. With the illustrated example, however, the selected sizewill be the geographical size of the image 1901. As used herein, theterm geographical size refers to the total amount of geographical areaencompassed by the image 1901. That is, the geographical area is thetotal contiguous surface area of the article in which at least a portionof the image appears. For example, in FIG. 18A the linear positionindicator 305 is located along the linear range indicator 303 at aposition corresponding to the second linear position marker 307. Thus,the image 1901 occupies only a small area of the shoe 1005, extendingvertically from approximately the sole 1009 to the lowest portion of theankle hole 1015, and extending horizontally from the back of the heel tothe lowest portion of the ankle hole 1015.

If the user moves the linear position indicator 305 closer to thenegative direction indicator 309 (i.e., to a “smaller” or “lower”position), then the geographical size of the image 1901 will be reduced.Similarly, if the user moves the linear position indicator 305 closer tothe positive direction indicator 311 (i.e., to a “greater” or “larger”position), then the geographical size of the image 1901 will beincreased. For example, FIG. 19B illustrates the larger geographicalsize of the image 1901 when the linear position indicator 305 is locatedalong the linear range indicator 303 at a position corresponding to theeighth linear position marker 307. As seen in this figure, the image1901 extends across a much larger surface area of the shoe 1001. Moreparticularly, the image 1901 extends horizontally from the heel to thestart of the toe guard 1101, and extends vertically from the sole 1009to the top of the upper 1007.

FIG. 20A illustrates an example of the custom-ordering user interface1001 configured for specifying the line size of an image according tovarious embodiments of the invention. Again, the custom-ordering userinterface 1001 includes a feature indicator 1003 and the sliderselection control 301. With this illustrated example, however, thecustom-ordering user interface 1001 is configured to allow a user todesignate the size of the lines making up an image that will beemblazoned on a custom-ordered athletic shoe. Thus, the custom-orderinguser interface 1001 displays an athletic shoe 1005 with an image 2001.In FIG. 20A, the image 2001 is an abstract pattern resembling a vine,but it should be appreciated that this is merely a representative image,and various examples of the invention may be configured to allow a userto select the scaled size of any desired image.

As with previously discussed embodiments of the invention, a user canmanipulate the slider selection control 301 to select a desired linesize for the image 2001. For example, in FIG. 20A the linear positionindicator 305 is located along the linear range indicator 303 at aposition corresponding to the third linear position marker 307. Thus,the lines making up the image 2001 are relatively thin. If the userrepositions the linear position indicator 305 closer to the negativedirection indicator 309 (i.e., to a “smaller” or “lower” position), thenthe line size of the image 2001 will be reduced. On the other hand, ifthe user repositions the linear position indicator 305 closer to thepositive direction indicator 311 (i.e., to a “greater” or “larger”position), then the line size of the image 2001 will be increased. Forexample, FIG. 20B illustrates the line size of the image 2001 when thelinear position indicator 305 is located along the linear rangeindicator 303 at a position corresponding to the seventh linear positionmarker 307. As seen in this figure, the lines making up the image 2001in FIG. 20B are substantially thicker than the image lines shown in FIG.20A.

Still further, various embodiments of the invention may allow a user tochange the density of an image. FIG. 21A, for example, illustrates animplementation of the custom-ordering user interface 1001 configured forspecifying the density of an image according to various embodiments ofthe invention. That is, the custom-ordering user interface 1001illustrated in FIG. 21A allows a user to determine how much of thearticle is covered by the image per a unit area of the article. Again,the custom-ordering user interface 1001 includes a feature indicator1003 and the slider selection control 301. The custom-ordering userinterface 1001 displays an athletic shoe 1005 with an image 2101. InFIG. 21A, the image 2101 is an abstract pattern resembling a vine, butagain it should be appreciated that this image is merely arepresentative image, and various examples of the invention may beconfigured to allow a user to select the scaled size of any desiredimage.

With the illustrated example, a user can manipulate the slider selectioncontrol 301 to select a desired density size for the image 2101. Forexample, in FIG. 21A, the linear position indicator 305 is located alongthe linear range indicator 303 at a position corresponding to the thirdlinear position marker 307. Accordingly, with the illustrated “vine”image 2101, there are relatively few “branches” making up the vine. Ifthe user repositions the linear position indicator 305 closer to thenegative direction indicator 309 (i.e., to a “smaller” or “lower”position), then the number of branches in the image 2101 will bereduced. If, however, the user repositions the linear position indicator305 closer to the positive direction indicator 311 (i.e., to a “greater”or “larger” position), then the number of branches in the image 2101will be increased. For example, FIG. 21B illustrates the how the densityof the image 2001 has increased when the linear position indicator 305is located along the linear range indicator 303 at a positioncorresponding to the seventh linear position marker 307. As seen in thisfigure, there are substantially more branches making up the image 2101than the image lines shown in FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22 illustrates yet another example of a custom-ordering userinterface that may be implemented according to various embodiments ofthe invention. As seen in this figure, the custom-ordering userinterface 2201 is configured to select among different images that willbe emblazoned upon an article of footwear. The custom-ordering userinterface 2201 includes the slider selection control 301 and acharacteristic indicator 2203. Unlike the feature indicator 1003 shownin previous figures, the characteristic indicator 2203 displays only theselection of characteristics that are available for a feature. In theillustrated example, the custom-ordering user interface 2201 displaysvarious images 2205 that can be emblazoned on the upper of an athleticshoe. As seen in this figure, each image will cover progressively moresurface area of the upper. For example, image 2205I will cover slightlymore surface area of a shoe upper than image 2205H. Image 2205I, on theother hand, will cover much more surface area of a shoe upper than image2205B, which in turn will cover slightly more surface area of a shoeupper than image 2205A.

In the illustrated examples, the images 2205A-2205I are abstractpatterns. Further, the images 2205A-2205I are created by removing aportion of an outer surface of the shoe upper to reveal an underlyingmesh layer. It should be appreciated, however, that with alternateexamples of the invention, the images may be of any desired type.Further, the images may be emblazoned on the article using any desiredtechnique, including printing, weaving, or lamination.

As with previously discussed embodiments of the invention, a user canmanipulate the slider selection control 301 to select the desired image2205 (i.e., the desired total image size) to be emblazoned on an upper.For example, in FIG. 22, the linear position indicator 305 is locatedalong the linear range indicator 303 at a position corresponding to thesecond linear position marker 307. Thus, the image 2205B is selected foremblazoning on a shoe upper. If the user repositions the linear positionindicator 305 closer to the negative direction indicator 309 (i.e., to a“smaller” or “lower” position), then a smaller sized image 2205 will beselected. Similarly, if the user repositions the linear positionindicator 305 closer to the positive direction indicator 311 (i.e., to a“greater” or “larger” position), then a larger sized image 2205 will beselected. For example, if the linear position indicator 305 were movedto a location on the linear position indicator corresponding to theninth position marker 307, then image 2205I would be selected to beemblazoned on the show upper. In FIG. 22, the various images 2205 areabstract patterns, but it should be appreciated that these particularimages are merely representative, and various examples of the inventionmay be configured to allow a user to select any desired image or groupof images.

CONCLUSION

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examplesincluding presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variationsand permutations of the above described systems and techniques that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of customizing an article, comprising: transmitting data including information to enable generation of an analog-style selection control on a display device, wherein the analog-style selection control is provided for receiving user input modifying a characteristic of a feature of an article to be customized; transmitting data including information to enable generation of an initial rendering of the article to be customized on the display device; receiving user input through the analog-style selection control for modifying the characteristic of the feature; and transmitting data including information to enable generation of a modified rendering of the article to be customized on the display device based on the user input received modifying the characteristic of the feature.
 2. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the analog-style selection control is a linear selection control.
 3. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the analog-style selection control is a dial selection control.
 4. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the article to be customized is an article of athletic equipment or an article of apparel.
 5. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the article to be customized is an article of footwear.
 6. The method recited in claim 5, wherein the feature is a fraction pattern on a sole of the article of footwear.
 7. The method recited in claim 5, wherein the feature is a stability feature of the article of footwear.
 8. The method recited in claim 5 wherein the feature is a cushioning feature of the article of footwear.
 9. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the feature is a color of the article.
 10. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the feature is a color scheme for the article.
 11. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the feature includes one of: an amount of a pattern displayed on the article to be customized, a complexity of a pattern displayed on the article to be customized, a size of an area of a pattern displayed on the article to be customized, a size of an image displayed on the article to be customized, or a ratio of contrasting surfaces to be provided on the article to be customized.
 12. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising: receiving user input identifying the feature of the article to be customized.
 13. An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a memory having stored therein machine executable instructions, that when executed, cause the processor to: transmit data including information to enable generation of an analog-style selection control on a display device, wherein the analog-style selection control is provided for receiving user input modifying a characteristic of a feature of an article to be customized; transmit data including information to enable generation of an initial rendering of the article to be customized on the display device; receive user input through the analog-style selection control for modifying the characteristic of the feature; and transmit data including information to enable generation of a modified rendering of the article to be customized on the display device based on the user input received modifying the characteristic of the feature.
 14. The apparatus recited in claim 13, wherein the analog-style selection control is a linear selection control.
 15. The apparatus recited in claim 13, wherein the analog-style selection control is a dial selection control.
 16. The apparatus recited in claim 13, wherein the article to be customized is an article of athletic equipment or an article of apparel.
 17. The apparatus recited in claim 13, wherein the article to be customized is an article of footwear.
 18. The apparatus recited in claim 17, wherein the feature is a fraction pattern on a sole of the article of footwear.
 19. The apparatus recited in claim 17, wherein the feature is a stability feature of the article of footwear.
 20. The apparatus recited in claim 17, wherein the feature is a cushioning feature of the article of footwear.
 21. The apparatus recited in claim 13, wherein the feature is a color of the article.
 22. The apparatus recited in claim 13, wherein the feature is a color scheme for the article.
 23. The apparatus recited in claim 13, wherein the feature includes one of: an amount of a pattern displayed on the article to be customized, a complexity of a pattern displayed on the article to be customized, a size of an area of a pattern displayed on the article to be customized, a size of an image displayed on the article to be customized, or a ratio of contrasting surfaces to be provided on the article to be customized.
 24. The apparatus recited in claim 13 wherein the memory further has stored therein machine executable instructions, that when executed, further cause the processor to receive user input identifying the feature of the article to be customized.
 25. An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a memory having stored therein machine executable instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: present to a user on a display device an analog-style selection control that allows a user to modify a characteristic of a feature of an article to be customized; present to the user an initial rendering of the article to be customized on the display device; receive user input through the analog-style selection control for modifying the characteristic of the feature; and present to the user a modified rendering of the article to be customized ordered on the display device based on the user input received modifying the characteristic of the feature. 